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Ireland has announced funding of \u20ac5m for Palestinian refugees.<\/p>\nIreland has announced funding of \u20ac5m for Palestinian refugees.<\/p>\n
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, revealed the aid package for the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) today.<\/p>\n
The T\u00e1naiste said the UNRWA carried out essential work, adding: \u201cIreland is a longstanding supporter of UNRWA.<\/p>\n
\u201cIts work is essential to the delivery of healthcare, education and humanitarian relief and social services, including food assistance, to 5.4 million Palestine refugees.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ongoing conflict in the Middle East region has meant an increased demand for UNRWA\u2019s services.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have seen these needs first hand during my regular visits to the region, as well as the significant operational challenges faced by UNRWA.<\/p>\n
\u201cIreland responded by significantly increasing our funding to UNRWA last year through additional contributions.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s announcement of \u20ac5m in core funding for UNRWA reflects Ireland\u2019s abiding commitment to the vital work of UNRWA.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe services that UNRWA provides are necessary, and will remain necessary, until a lasting solution to the Israeli\/Palestinian conflict can be negotiated that meets the needs of both parties and resolves all final status issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Successive Irish governments have sent support to the Palestinian people for more than two decades.<\/p>\n
The Government said it reflects the \u201clongstanding commitment to justice for the Palestinian people and to the development of a viable, sovereign Palestinian state\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ireland\u2019s total funding to the Palestinian people in 2018 amounted to \u20ac15.38m for humanitarian and development needs.<\/p>\n